Death never comes easy for those it leaves in its wake. And when it happens to someone in the prime of their life, it makes saying goodbye all the more difficult.

That is what we are feeling after news surfaced on Sunday (Jan. 22) of the passing of Scottsdale Notre Dame Prep football and girls soccer coach Scot Bemis at the age of 45. It was only September when he went to the doctor due to some pain in his elbow and it was discovered that he had stage 4 lung cancer.

Bemis was a true All-American guy. He worked tirelessly on the field and in the classroom as a science teacher. He took care of his wife and four children. He was a mentor in every sense of the word, celebrating in the triumphs and offering encouragement during the times when people fell short.

He was at the top of his game when he led the Saints to Class 4A Division II football state championships in 2007 and 2008 and the 4A-II girls soccer title in 2009. Notre Dame was state runner-up to Flagstaff last season.

Bemis coached soccer with the same passion as football. He got the desired results and often helped his players achieve things they didn’t think would be possible.

He developed his work ethic at an early age and had a great football mentor in Karl Kiefer at McClintock High in Tempe.

He was very cooperative with reporters. When I covered his games for The Arizona Republic and later AIA365.com, he always seemed willing to stay until the lights were shut off to answer questions and exchange pleasantries.

It will be difficult to fill his shoes.

It seems fitting that Bemis has company as he strolls through the clouds – legendary Penn State football coach Joe Paterno.

One can envision Paterno putting his arm around Bemis’ shoulder and saying, “Tell me about yourself, kid.’’

Paterno will tell Bemis all he knows, and Bemis will do the same. He probably will offer a few ideas even Paterno would consider. Such is the life of coaches, learning from each other.

Death never comes easy. But those in the Notre Dame community and the Arizona high school sports community can look at the beauty of the McDowell Mountains that watch over Notre Dame and take comfort in a life well-lived.